Thursday, July 9, 2015

Pampering Palm

If ever there was a cure-all, it would seem to be the coconut. At least that’s what one would think based on the attention this fibrous-husked fruit has garnered as of late. If people aren’t consuming copious amounts of coconut water after their workouts, they’re likely to be cooking with coconut oil, which is reputed to be a healthier alternative to butter and vegetable oil. Apparently, not all saturated fats are created equal. And there are now studies underway to test the effects of coconut oil on those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. True coconut converts, like Gwyneth Paltrow, go so far as to advocate oil pulling, which involves swishing coconut oil around in the mouth for 20 minutes or so to improve oral health and whiten teeth. Of course, coconut has long been regarded as a natural and nourishing skincare ingredient. Thanks to its high-profile status, it’s really no surprise that it’s appearing in an increasing number of skincare products and on spa menus around the world. Fortunately, its popularity is well deserved.

According to Andrée Austin, cofounder of Pure Fiji, coconut fits well with the farm-to-table trend, as it’s not only an ingredient that is safe to ingest but it’s also really effective on the skin. “It is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which are smaller and permeate cell membranes easily, making it great for skincare,” says Austin. It also has a long and trusted track record, having been used for centuries by South Pacific islanders for not only cooking but also their skin and hair. “Coconut oil is an extremely beneficial ingredient for restoring hydration and moisture to dry, flaky, and chapped skin,” says Chris Birchby, founder of Coola. “It provides natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which make it a great ingredient for multiple uses, including face cleansers, makeup removers, and head-to-toe moisturizers.” Not surprisingly, coconut and its refreshing scent have long been associated with sunscreen. “Coconut is rich in vitamin E, which helps to protect the skin from cell damage over time, delaying the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Birchby. “Because of its skin-soothing benefits, it’s also used to treat sensitive skin issues, like eczema, sunburn, and more.”

According to Megan Farina, communications manager at Nutiva, a leading manufacturer of organic coconut oil and other whole foods, there are countless ways to use coconut oil, such as in body scrubs and wraps, massages, and deep-conditioning hair treatments. Coconut oil is an ideal skin and body care ingredient, because it is versatile, natural, and highly effective for cleansing, moisturizing, and boosting skin’s natural immunity. It contains high quantities of antioxidants and omegas that contribute to cellular health and tissue repair. These are just some of the reasons for its claim to fame.

As with most ingredients, it’s important to consider the source. Unrefined pure virgin coconut oil, which is extracted without heat, is generally recommended, as it retains more antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins than processed or fractionated coconut oil. Processed coconut oil may involve the use of chemicals during extraction, and fractionated oil, is just that, a fraction of the whole oil, having certain components separated out. However, fractionated coconut oil typically has a longer shelf life and is often used as a carrier oil for essential oils. It’s also commonly found in skincare products, as it’s easier to use in product formulations and won’t clog pores.

Skin Savior

While coconut oil offers the skin multiple benefits, you may want to avoid using it on skin with acne, as the verdict is still out on whether it’s a cause or a cure. According to Ben Johnson, M.D., founder of Osmosis Pür Medical Skincare, it can actually be considered a bit of both. “Coconut oil is described as comedogenic topically, but it isn’t really,” he says. While some might hesitate to use it on acneic or breakout-prone skin on account of its potential to clog pores, he explains why they might want to reconsider. According to Johnson, acne is often caused by toxins, which coconut oil can help purge. While that process can actually cause an acneic breakout, it’s only because the impurities are being drawn up and out of the skin by the coconut oil. Even so, those with problem skin might not appreciate the temporary breakout that follows their facials.